Chamonix

About Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Mountains rule in Chamonix, France. Some of the world's best expert skiing can be found on Chamonix’s jagged peaks and glaciers that rise 12,500 feet above the valley floor. Chamonix, or “Cham” as the locals and core skiers call it, has more of an authentic alpine flair than the glitz and glamour you’ll find at some European resorts. Chamonix is renowned as an avid mountaineer destination, so you can expect to see a lot of advanced skiers and boarders schlepping climbing equipment around, many of who have traveled to experience the revered terrain from all over the world. If you want to explore off-piste in France, hiring a guide is the way to go.

Tucked beneath the shadow of the 15,767-foot Mont Blanc—France’s treasure—the power and beauty of this area are unmatched. This “bucket list” destination is the oldest ski area in the French Alps and is popular as a destination and spot for a weekend getaway. Chamonix’s village is brimming with tons of shopping too, from jewelry stores and designer boutiques to high-performance outdoor gear shops.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy an extensive Nordic trail network, ski touring and winter paragliding. As far as your evenings go, be sure to check out the casino and the variety of other hot spots for nightlife. The Mont Blanc ski pass also includes access to Evasion Mont Blanc Megève, Courmayeur, Italy and Crans Montana, Switzerland. Please note that access to these areas is only available with an Unlimited Mont Blanc Pass for 2 or more days. With a pass for 6 or more days, you'll also have access to Verbier, Switzerland.

How to get to Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix Mont-Blanc is easily accessible from Geneva Airport (GVA) and is is about an hour-15-minute's drive, at only 54 miles away. The area also accounts for its own train line, connecting with SNCF lines and making regular stops throughout the valley. Consider also the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) and Milan Malpensa Airport "Silvio Berlusconi" (MXP), both at approximately 140 miles away for a three-hour commute. You can take a rental car, private transfer or opt for shuttle services. "AlpyBus" and "Mountain Drop-offs" are popular shuttle services offering convenient transfers to Chamonix, with prices for shared shuttles typically starting at around €30 to 40 EUR ($33 to 45 USD) per person.

Chamonix accounts for a convenient public transport system with free buses and trains for visitors with a guest card. The Mont Blanc Express train and local buses serve key locations in the valley, however, cycling and walking are also popular, with improved bike paths and pedestrian-friendly areas. Driving is generally frowned upon, due to parking difficulties and environmental concerns.

Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix France offers five main ski areas, accessed via the area’s mini base villages with a total of 51 lifts transporting skiers of all abilities to the resort's famed slopes. Le Brevent cable car begins just above the town and climbs to more than 8,000 feet. Les Houches, Le Tour and sunny La Flegere are areas ideal for beginners, families and intermediates looking for trails at their level. Grands-Montets-Lognan is the most popular area for intermediate and more advanced skiers.

Strong intermediate and above skiers will want to challenge themselves in the area off the Aiguille du Midi, reached by a two-stage cable car. This descent of over 8,000 feet on and along the glacier of Vallee Blanche features spectacular mountain scenery dominated by Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain.

Beginner Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc
As an international destination for extreme skiing, Chamonix is best left for experts.  Beginner skiers, especially first timers, should head to the north end of the valley to the Domaine de Balme, out of the town of Le Tour, or Brévent-Flégère on the west side of town. If visibility is poor, the family-friendly Les Houches ski area has gentle on-piste skiing on tree-lined runs.

The most convenient area for beginners is around the Savoy lift near the base of the Brévent-Flégère area, or even Les Planards, near the base of L’Aiguille du Midi. But the warmest and best Chamonix beginner terrain is found seven and a half miles away in the town of Le Tour. Beginners will find and wide array of progressive beginner runs at higher altitude, providing gorgeous views.

Le Savoy features 2 drag lifts and a magic carpet for beginners and children. It’s an excellent spot for first-time skiers to learn the basics, while another good start for beginners is La Vormaine. Located in Argentière, this run is great for beginners with 3 wide green runs and 1 blue run that passes through the forest. There is also a play area with learning modules, ski lifts, and a boardercross for more adventurous skiers. Le Tourchet is great for beginners with a particular focus on night skiing and also featuring a groomed tobogganing track.

Expert Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Many of these schools offer programs for children, including dedicated kids' lessons and ski clubs. With options for English-speaking instructors and customized lesson packages, Chamonix's ski schools are ideal for families and individuals seeking a supportive learning environment in the breathtaking setting of the French Alps.

There’s a reason that Chamonix is home to some of the world’s best extreme skiers and snowboarders, among them Glen Plake, so unless you’re up for a challenging off-piste adventures, intermediates may find that Chamonix proper, especially the Aiguille du Midi area, has limited options.  You won’t find long, sustained groomed runs here; it’s nearly entirely off-piste skiing.

Chamonix hasn’t earned its reputation as one of the world’s legendary ski areas for no reason. Chamonix is a place where fantasies come become a reality for many an expert skier and snowboarder, especially on a powder day. So be sure to purchase Chamonix’s “Unlimited” pass so you access the area’s famed Aiguille du Midi, via the cable car, and the area’s six other ski resorts. The Chamonix expert skiing is spread between the Grands Montets ski area and the Aiguille du Midi area, both which offers endless off-piste terrain andglacier skiing. Regardless of your ability, a professional guide is highly recommended, as off-piste, and especially, glacier skiing can be treacherous when you don’t know where you are going.

Skiers and snowboarders looking to experience Chamonix in its full “extreme” regalia need look no further than the Aiguille du Midi’s Vallée Blanche, which is the area’s famous glacier route. This zone is limitless—it’s 12 miles long—and can be everything from somewhat mellow and playful to incredibly steep and even dangerous, which is why Ski.com highly recommends hiring a professional guide. Skiers and snowboarders looking for a bit of exercise will be pleased with Chamonix’s many ski touring programs.

Ski Schools & Tours
Many of these schools offer programs for children, including dedicated kids' lessons and ski clubs. With options for English-speaking instructors and customized lesson packages, Chamonix's ski schools are ideal for families and individuals seeking a supportive learning environment in the breathtaking setting of the French Alps. The renowned École du Ski Français (ESF) provides group and private lessons led by experienced instructors, covering beginner to advanced skill levels. Evolution 2 is another popular option, known for its small group sizes and emphasis on personalized instruction. For more specialized experiences, Chamonix Experience offers off-piste and backcountry guiding for more advanced skiers.

Family vacations in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

While Chamonix doesn’t have a variety of beginner slopes or a ton of kid-friendly on-mountain attractions, its views of Mont Blanc alone are definitely worth the trip. Just think: your next holiday greeting card could be the whole gang atop the Aiguille du Midi tram, with Europe’s biggest mountain in the background. If everyone wants to ski or snowboard together a Chamonix family ski vacation is best left for advanced adults, older children and teens. However there are a couple options for those learning, especially in The Planards area of Chamonix. Beginners looking to explore a little should head to Balme ski area down the road. Intermediates ready for a manageable challenge should try Les Houches at the south end of the valley.

Indoor activities in Chamonix are equally diverse, ensuring fun regardless of the weather. Families can enjoy indoor climbing, fitness centers, ice skating and hockey games. The local cinema and casino offer entertainment, while wellness centers like QC Terme Spas provide relaxation. Educational activities include visits to the Musée des Cristaux and other cultural exhibitions. With options like yoga, swimming pools and various cultural activities, there's something for every family member. Chamonix’s Famille Plus label ensures that family needs are met, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation filled with adventure, relaxation and learning.